Merkel, Putin discuss Ukrainian crisis on phone

(QHA) -

Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed the crisis in Ukraine during a phone conversation, stressing the need for international action to reduce tensions, RFE/RL reports.

The Kremlin said in a statement that Merkel also expressed her "satisfaction with the assistance provided by Russia" in the release of OSCE military observers who had been held by pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

The two leaders also exchanged opinions on the supply and transit of Russian gas based on the results of consultations between Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union held in Warsaw on May 2.

The Warsaw talks led to a tentative agreement guaranteeing uninterrupted natural gas supplies to Ukraine and Europe through May.

Separately, the Kremlin said that the head of the OSCE, Didier Burkhalter, will visit Moscow on May 7 for talks on Ukraine.